I mean if I was specifically going out for a curry then I'd definitely go to an Indian and get something there. But if you're going to a pub with friends anyway, and know you're going to eat in that pub, I'd definitely rather steer them to a Wetherspoons than an expensive gastro-pub (unless I know the food's gonna be really, really good).

And, if I'm going to be in a Wetherspoons eating a meal, I quite like being there on curry night.

My solution to that conundrum is to spend a few quid on a sandwich and eat that on the way to the pub. That way, food ceases to be a consideration and you can go to a proper pub rather than a wanky gastro OR a 'Spoons. I'm more of a `we're going to a pub` or a `we're going for a meal` kind of guy. Mixing the two leads to a poor reproduction of both experiences.

There's a definite place for 'Spoons in the pub landscape. I visit them happily semi-regularly. However, I take issue with them as places to get decent ale. They've always got a great selection, sure, but it always tastes horrible. They buy the barrels past their best to ensure cheapness etc. and you can really, really taste it. Shame.

The amount of times I've bought a quirky sounding ale from Spoons and found it off has soured me to it a bit. I still risk it every so often, and a lot of the places are CAMRA recognised, but I'm always dubious.

There's a couple up at the Spitalfields end (if you come from Spitalfields down the side of Christ Church), called Mango and Poppadom that are owned by the same bloke and do the same stuff, but they're very good, always do us that deal after a bit of negotiation ('two free PINTS, not two free drinks, right?') and it's easily the quality of any provincial Indian takeaway I've had.

- fry the pataks past in a little oil for a bit
- chuck in the coconut oil and stir for a minute or so
- add all veg and chicken
- stir contents and add more past if necessary until looks nice
- add chopped toms and stir until looks nice
- find lowest heat possible that keeps it simmering, then simmer for about 30 minutes
- in meantime cook potatoes and add to curry when really soft

And Weatherspoons meals are cheaper when there's two
We're gonna gather all the lonely people, let them enjoy the two-for-one
Then go back to being strangers when theyre through
And maybe one or two won't be strangers anymore